Few things match the sheer sense of awe that comes with gliding through dramatic mountain country by rail. Planes, cars, and hikes simply cannot compete; the rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks provides a charming soundtrack to the wilderness drifting past your carriage window, creating an unmatched sense of calm. Running between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh across the Scottish Highlands, the Kyle Line has officially earned its place among the most picturesque rail journeys on the planet—delivering all of that magic and then some.
Inspired by the viral snapshot of a Japanese couple ducking down so another traveller could photograph Mount Fuji out the carriage window (classic Japan), rail specialist JRPASS conducted a study into the world’s most breathtaking train journeys.
Scotland’s Kyle Line secured fourth place overall, cementing its official status as one of the greatest rail adventures on Earth.
Switzerland’s Bernina Express took the top spot globally, with Norway’s Flåm Railway arriving in second. The Glacier Express, also in Switzerland, claimed third, while Japan’s Sagano Romantic Train in the Kinki region rounded out the top five in fifth.
The final standings were calculated using an average across review scores, popularity, travel time, and ticket costs. While Switzerland and Japan dominated the wider leaderboard with four entries apiece, Scotland claiming a prized spot on the list speaks volumes about its natural beauty—and we couldn’t agree more.
The Kyle Line, Inverness
Winding through remote corners of the Highlands, the Kyle Line links Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and treats passengers to jaw-dropping vistas for just £32 a ticket. Delivering some of the finest scenery in the UK, it truly belongs on every explorer’s bucket list—no exaggeration!
The coast-to-coast route showcases classic Highland wilderness alongside views of Loch Alsh and the silhouette of the Isle of Skye. For even more adventure, you can hop off at the historic market town of Dingwall to join the Far North Line, which serves up sweeping sights of dramatic mountain peaks and the rugged Torridon range.
Visit the ScotRail website to view timetables and book your seats.
